US Congressman Tim Murphy talks about legislation designed to overhaul the nation's mental-health system.

Credit Tim Murphy / murphy.house.gov

These topics air Wednesday December 18, 2013 at noon and 8pm on 90.5 WESA. To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. Join the conversation LIVE between 12pm & 1 pm weekdays at 412-246-2002.

Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis ActIn conjunction with the one-year anniversary of the Newtown tragedy, Pennsylvania Congressman Tim Murphy has unveiled his mental health reform legislation, the Helping Families In Mental Health Crisis Act. Rep. Murphy joins us to talk about the legislation, which is designed to overhaul the nation's mental-health system with expanded access to care, increased use of court-ordered treatment programs and new investments in prevention, research and first-responder training.

George Washington in Western PAIt was 260 years ago this month that a 21-year old George Washington had two brushes with death in the Pittsburgh area, which could have dramatically altered the course of American history. Washington was on a dangerous diplomatic mission in the Western Pennsylvania wilderness. We explore this little known chapter of Washington's life with retired Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin J. O'Brien at the Harmony Museum.

Lincoln Highway CentennialAbraham Lincoln the 16th President of the United States is recognized in currency, with statues, a monument in DC, and many other areas along the way. One commemoration includes the Lincoln Highway. We’ll mark the highway’s centennial with Brian Butko, director of publications for the Heinz History Center and an expert on the Lincoln Highway.

Behind The Stage DoorNationally recognized concert promoter Rich Engler, former co-owner of Pittsburgh's DiCesare-Engler Productions, has written a new book called Behind the Stage Door, a retrospective of his 40 years as one of the top concert promoters in the region. Engler joins us to share some entertaining, personal stories of what went on backstage at many of the largest concerts to come through Pittsburgh.